As identical twins, Emily and Erica grew up doing everything together. But the bond between these sisters became even stronger three years ago when both were diagnosed with the same form of scleroderma within a week of each other.

Emily and Erica are the only known case of
identical twins diagnosed with the same form of scleroderma in the
world. Because of the phenomenon, the family has offered to be part of
genetic studies.

It wasn’t long before the twins’ story made
headlines in the local newspaper, drawing the attention of others in
the community. People in the community, also living with scleroderma,
reached out to the family. The girls’ mother Stacy was encouraged to
attend one of the many scleroderma educational events sponsored by the
Greater Chicago Chapter.

For Stacy, this was an unbelievable
opportunity. “The Scleroderma Foundation provided me with the
information and tools to not only help my two girls but also help
others living with the disease,” she said. “For the first time, I felt
supported through a community and empowered as a mom and an advocate.
When you have support and each other, you have hope.”

You can help provide support to
families just like Erica and Emily’s. When you become a member of the
Scleroderma Foundation, you help everyone living with the disease find
hope. Learn more today >>

The Scleroderma Foundation is a qualified national nonprofit operating under 501(c)(3) status. The foundation’s federal tax identification number is 52-1375827. Our primary goal is to raise funds for our three-fold mission of support, education and research. The foundation has 20 active chapters and 160 support groups across the country.